ABOUT A1A
A1A – The Official and Original Jimmy Buffett Tribute Show was born in 1991 when Lead Vocalist and Guitarist, Jeff Pike asked Atlanta Parrot Head Club and PHIP Founder, Scott Nickerson to join him in his already successful one-man tribute to Jimmy Buffett. In 1992, the band won a Jimmy Buffett Sound Alike Contest for Margaritaville Records and the A1A ball started rolling – a ball that is still rolling 30 years later.
Over the years as the band grew A1A was extremely instrumental in the fundamental building and growth of the International Parrot Head Club community and the Trop Rock Music genre as it is today. They were the first band to repeatedly headline the annual Jimmy Buffett “Meeting of The Minds” Parrot Head Convention and many more landmark national annual Parrot Head Events which formed the building blocks for the Parrot Head Nation as it is today.
In 1994, A1A and The Atlanta Parrot Head Club were invited to take part of Jimmy's new video, 'Fruitcakes', which was filmed at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida.
In 1995, Jeff won a guitar competition, and that allowed him to appear on stage with Jimmy Buffett and The Coral Reefer Band in Atlanta, Georgia, performing 'Cheeseburger in Paradise.' The entire show, including Jeff's performance, was recorded for the 'Jimmy Buffett - Barometer Soup Radio Special,' which still receives regular airplay on Jimmy Buffett's 'Radio Margaritaville Radio.'
A1A has released 5 CD’s , played to countless high profile clients around the world and continue to draw record crowds to their public performances. Members from Jimmy Buffett’s band, Greg “Fingers” Taylor, Mac McAnally, Michael Utley, Robert Greenidge, Peter Mayer, Nadirah Shakoor and Tina Gullickson have all performed with the band over the years. In 2009 Nadirah Shakoor chose A1A to be her back up band to help promote her Mailboat Records Release, ‘Nod To The Story Teller.’ In 2012, Jimmy Buffett was instrumental in landing A1A in the Lions Gate Major Motion Picture Release, ‘What to Expect When You’re Expecting.’ The band recorded Jimmy’s classic, ‘Why Don’t We Get Drunk,’ which was included in the movie and on the soundtrack released by Capitol Records. Recently in 2016, Jimmy Buffett and Mac McAnally approached A1A with a request that they be Jimmy’s band during a private performance for The World Surf League at The Masters Open in Augusta, Georgia. Not surprisingly, the band was very proud to be Jimmy’s ‘ Coral Reefer Band’ for a day.
A1A performs as a seven to a ten piece band, complete with audio and light production, bringing to life a colorful and energetic family friendly Jimmy Buffett Tribute Show. For added ambiance and realism, adding the A1A Beachwrecked Pirates is a sure fire way to boost up the enthusiasm and energy to your event.
The energy, musicianship, originality, and excitement that have always surrounded an A1A performance is an experience and a driving force that has helped the band remain the first and foremost Jimmy Buffett Tribute Show in history.
Let A1A – The Official and Original Jimmy Buffett Tribute Show make your concert, festival, private, or corporate event an experience that people will be talking about for a long time to come - Contact Us Today.
Over the years as the band grew A1A was extremely instrumental in the fundamental building and growth of the International Parrot Head Club community and the Trop Rock Music genre as it is today. They were the first band to repeatedly headline the annual Jimmy Buffett “Meeting of The Minds” Parrot Head Convention and many more landmark national annual Parrot Head Events which formed the building blocks for the Parrot Head Nation as it is today.
In 1994, A1A and The Atlanta Parrot Head Club were invited to take part of Jimmy's new video, 'Fruitcakes', which was filmed at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida.
In 1995, Jeff won a guitar competition, and that allowed him to appear on stage with Jimmy Buffett and The Coral Reefer Band in Atlanta, Georgia, performing 'Cheeseburger in Paradise.' The entire show, including Jeff's performance, was recorded for the 'Jimmy Buffett - Barometer Soup Radio Special,' which still receives regular airplay on Jimmy Buffett's 'Radio Margaritaville Radio.'
A1A has released 5 CD’s , played to countless high profile clients around the world and continue to draw record crowds to their public performances. Members from Jimmy Buffett’s band, Greg “Fingers” Taylor, Mac McAnally, Michael Utley, Robert Greenidge, Peter Mayer, Nadirah Shakoor and Tina Gullickson have all performed with the band over the years. In 2009 Nadirah Shakoor chose A1A to be her back up band to help promote her Mailboat Records Release, ‘Nod To The Story Teller.’ In 2012, Jimmy Buffett was instrumental in landing A1A in the Lions Gate Major Motion Picture Release, ‘What to Expect When You’re Expecting.’ The band recorded Jimmy’s classic, ‘Why Don’t We Get Drunk,’ which was included in the movie and on the soundtrack released by Capitol Records. Recently in 2016, Jimmy Buffett and Mac McAnally approached A1A with a request that they be Jimmy’s band during a private performance for The World Surf League at The Masters Open in Augusta, Georgia. Not surprisingly, the band was very proud to be Jimmy’s ‘ Coral Reefer Band’ for a day.
A1A performs as a seven to a ten piece band, complete with audio and light production, bringing to life a colorful and energetic family friendly Jimmy Buffett Tribute Show. For added ambiance and realism, adding the A1A Beachwrecked Pirates is a sure fire way to boost up the enthusiasm and energy to your event.
The energy, musicianship, originality, and excitement that have always surrounded an A1A performance is an experience and a driving force that has helped the band remain the first and foremost Jimmy Buffett Tribute Show in history.
Let A1A – The Official and Original Jimmy Buffett Tribute Show make your concert, festival, private, or corporate event an experience that people will be talking about for a long time to come - Contact Us Today.
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Featuring:
Jeff Pike – Founder, Frontman, Lead Vocals and Acoustic Guitar
Eric Baumgartner – Musical Director, Keyboards and Background Vocals
Aretta Baumgartner - Background Vocals
Chris Blackwell - Lead Guitar
Rick Meeder - Bass Guitar
Wayne Viar - Drums and Percussion
Nico G. – Steel Pan Drums and Percussion
Sam Skelton - Saxophone
Erin Cundiff - Trombone
Rob Opitz - Trumpet
Tommy Morfoot - A1A Pirate, Fun Monger
and General Performance Tom Foolery
Joseph Foe Davis - A1A Pirate, Flag Waver
Naughty Instigator and Pirate Grogg Maker
Ansley Segraves - Front Of House Engineer, Audio
and Production Tech
Vance Kelly – Saxophone and Audio Production
Kathy Mullen – Business, Financial and Road Management
Stage Decoration
Other Performing Members of The A1A Family
Adena Brumer - Background Vocals
Jody Worrell - Lead Guitar
Ivan Duke - Lead Guitar
Daniel Glozier - Lead Guitar
Jeff Brewer - Bass Guitar
Steve McRay - Keyboards
Dustin Cottrell - Keyboards
Scott Meeder - Drums
Chris Otts - Saxophone
Todd Motter - Trumpet
Scott Nickerson - Harmonica
Jeff Pike - Founder | Frontman | Lead Vocals | Acoustic Guitar
Jeff Pike is an accomplished vocalist, guitarist, pianist, entertainer and songwriter from Atlanta, Georgia. As a full time working musician for the past 30 years, Jeff is appreciated and respected by his listeners, fans and peers for both his skill of entertaining and his stellar musicianship. For years audiences have been continuously impressed by his improvisational skills and the variety of his musical knowledge. He is passionate, real, and cares about the audience – and the song. Always connecting with his audience through both his talent and his humor.
By 1989, Jeff had developed an enormous following in his hometown of Atlanta, Georgia with his one-man tribute to Jimmy Buffett. In 1991, along with percussionist and harmonica player Scott Nickerson, Jeff formed A1A. In 1992 Jeff and A1A won a Margaritaville Records-sponsored Jimmy Buffett Sound Alike Contest. A1A was now officially born and Trop Rock History was made. As the first band ever to showcase a high energy concert composed of nothing except Buffett’s best songs spanning every era of his career, A1A became the only Tribute Band to be personally sanctioned by Jimmy Buffett himself. While countless other bands have followed in A1A’s wake, and even cited them as their main inspiration, A1A remains the first and foremost Jimmy Buffett Tribute Show.
As a Singer/Songwriter, Jeff has recorded 5 CD’ s of his own original music and produced 4 for other local Atlanta recording artists.
During A1A’ s offseason Jeff performs regularly as a solo artist. He also tours and performs as ‘ Benny’ in the American cast of Abba Mania – The Worlds #1 Touring Abba Tribute Show. For more info visit Jeff's Official Website.
By 1989, Jeff had developed an enormous following in his hometown of Atlanta, Georgia with his one-man tribute to Jimmy Buffett. In 1991, along with percussionist and harmonica player Scott Nickerson, Jeff formed A1A. In 1992 Jeff and A1A won a Margaritaville Records-sponsored Jimmy Buffett Sound Alike Contest. A1A was now officially born and Trop Rock History was made. As the first band ever to showcase a high energy concert composed of nothing except Buffett’s best songs spanning every era of his career, A1A became the only Tribute Band to be personally sanctioned by Jimmy Buffett himself. While countless other bands have followed in A1A’s wake, and even cited them as their main inspiration, A1A remains the first and foremost Jimmy Buffett Tribute Show.
As a Singer/Songwriter, Jeff has recorded 5 CD’ s of his own original music and produced 4 for other local Atlanta recording artists.
During A1A’ s offseason Jeff performs regularly as a solo artist. He also tours and performs as ‘ Benny’ in the American cast of Abba Mania – The Worlds #1 Touring Abba Tribute Show. For more info visit Jeff's Official Website.
Kathy Mullen - Management, Booking and Direction
Kathy handles the business operations side of A1A and the coordination of various projects keeping A1A running smoothly and on track. Client relationships and show coordination are a big piece of her role. Managing finances goes into the strategic planning of the band while keeping growth in the forefront to create the future. Working with booking gigs through promoters and clients contacting A1A is a piece of management too. Oh yeah, doing her best to keep the band happy ranks high on the list!
Kathy had more than 35 years in a corporate environment lending her skills to make this an enjoyable experience. How did she land this role? Kathy's love and passion for A1A, along with her desire to step into a creative role, brought her to A1A. Kathy's skills that come in handiest and utilized the most are flexibility and problem-solving. She works well as the 'glue' behind the scenes!
Come out and join us for a great evening of Trop Rock music, dancing and fun!
Kathy's world shattered on 10.2.2018 when she lost her only child, Eric Mullen, to suicide. In response to Kathy's tragic loss, she left her corporate career, and together with Jeff Pike as co-founder, they founded Mullen's Miracles. Mullen's Miracles is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization providing individualized options, respective support systems, and support provisions to those on the edge, those assisting others in crisis, and for those that have lost a loved one to suicide. Kathy is committed to reducing the impact of suicide loss for others. Check out the current projects at www.mullensmiracles.org. We'd love your support!
Ansley Segraves - Front Of House Engineer, Audio and Production Tech
Ansley has been working with A1A on and off since 2007. Since the age of 6, Ansley has played multiple instruments, including Piano, Clarinet, Trombone, and ending up in the High school drumline. During this time, he also fell in love with running live sound and has been running consoles for over 35 years. Since then, Ansley has run sound and lighting for Theatre, Studio, and live concert events for crowds of 50,000+ live to over 500,000+ online. He now volunteers as an FOH engineer for Northpoint ministries and regularly mixes for multiple churches and bands in Georgia. Ansley started his own production company, 'Segraves Productions,' almost 15 years ago to provide sound for Christian artists and secular bands in the Atlanta and Nashville Areas.
He is equally at home running FOH, Monitors, or Studio recording sessions and has worked as lighting director for several theatrical shows through the years.
Ansley is a Director of Software Engineering during the day utilizing his degree in Computer Engineering. His work in computers has helped quite a bit over the years as sound and lighting have moved into the digital realm.
He is equally at home running FOH, Monitors, or Studio recording sessions and has worked as lighting director for several theatrical shows through the years.
Ansley is a Director of Software Engineering during the day utilizing his degree in Computer Engineering. His work in computers has helped quite a bit over the years as sound and lighting have moved into the digital realm.
Eric Baumgartner - Musical Director | Piano | Keyboards | BGV
Eric Baumgartner joined A1A in 2013 and brought both his vocal talents and his piano and keyboard skills to the band. He grew up near Cleveland, Ohio and made his way to Atlanta via Boston, Chicago, and Cincinnati. He holds degrees in Jazz Studies from Berklee College of Music and DePaul University. He has dozens of piano works published by the Hal Leonard Corporation, where he also serves as a staff orchestrator, arranger, and clinician. He has presented jazz educational workshops throughout the US, Australia, UK, and Germany and most recently had works published in Japan.
In addition to A1A Eric stays active playing in a variety of bands including the 10-piece Steely Dan tribute band, Aja. He has worked extensively in musical theater and received 2 Suzi Bass Theater Award nominations for his work in 2014. His wife, Aretta, is Educational Director for The Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta.
To learn more about Eric check him out at ericbaumgartner.com.
In addition to A1A Eric stays active playing in a variety of bands including the 10-piece Steely Dan tribute band, Aja. He has worked extensively in musical theater and received 2 Suzi Bass Theater Award nominations for his work in 2014. His wife, Aretta, is Educational Director for The Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta.
To learn more about Eric check him out at ericbaumgartner.com.
Chris Blackwell - Lead Guitar
Chris Blackwell is an Atlanta-based guitarist, song-writer, producer, and studio musician. Born into a family of musicians, Chris began playing guitar at the age of five on his grandfather’s Gibson J-50 acoustic and has been playing professionally since he was fifteen. Having grown up surrounded by a wide variety of musical influences, Chris has gone on to work in a multitude of genres such as rock, country, R&B, jazz, blues, gospel and others.
Throughout his career, Chris has played on stage or in the studio with many notable artists including Jennifer Holliday, Jimmy Buffett, T Graham Brown, Bo Bice, James Otto, Mac McAnally, Tommy Talton, Deborah Cox, John Berry, Lee Williams, Inoj, Chinua Hawk, The Rocktronix, The Gregg Allman Laid Back Legacy Band, A1A, Randall Bramblett and ABBA Mania to name a few...
Chris actively tours and performs with his own band. In addition, Chris also tours with various artists, including the widely popular ABBA Mania – The Original from London’s West End, and performs regularly in the Atlanta area with the Mike Veal Band. His guitar work is featured on many albums, including four Billboard top 20 charting singles and on television and radio commercials.
Check out Chris Blackwell's Official Website
“If you first don’t succeed, don’t go skydiving” – Chris Blackwell
Throughout his career, Chris has played on stage or in the studio with many notable artists including Jennifer Holliday, Jimmy Buffett, T Graham Brown, Bo Bice, James Otto, Mac McAnally, Tommy Talton, Deborah Cox, John Berry, Lee Williams, Inoj, Chinua Hawk, The Rocktronix, The Gregg Allman Laid Back Legacy Band, A1A, Randall Bramblett and ABBA Mania to name a few...
Chris actively tours and performs with his own band. In addition, Chris also tours with various artists, including the widely popular ABBA Mania – The Original from London’s West End, and performs regularly in the Atlanta area with the Mike Veal Band. His guitar work is featured on many albums, including four Billboard top 20 charting singles and on television and radio commercials.
Check out Chris Blackwell's Official Website
“If you first don’t succeed, don’t go skydiving” – Chris Blackwell
Rick Meeder - Bass Guitar
Rick Meeder started with A1A in 2008 and has brought a lifetime of skill and passion to the band. Rick is not only an extremely talented bass player but has years of experience in radio promotion working at the Legendary 96 Rock. Over the course of his career, Rick has played with many professionals, such as Producer Brendan O’Brien and Bruce Hampton. He also helped form the band 12th Night, opening for acts at the Fox Theater like Billy Thorpe. He has also played with the longtime Atlanta local band, The Running, New Age Jazz artist Elgin Wells, MTV Video Award winner, Nadirah Shakoor, and, in 2011, he was invited to perform on a Christmas tour with Mike Utley and Robert Greenidge of Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band and Club Trini.
Rick worked as a session bassist for several years at Doppler, 12 Oaks Studio, Tree Studios and with many other independent artists. He has also had the privilege of playing worship at North Point Community Church for over 10 years.
“Helping make A1A the best it can be is my goal.” – Rick Meeder
Rick worked as a session bassist for several years at Doppler, 12 Oaks Studio, Tree Studios and with many other independent artists. He has also had the privilege of playing worship at North Point Community Church for over 10 years.
“Helping make A1A the best it can be is my goal.” – Rick Meeder
Wayne Viar - Drums | Percussion
Wayne joined A1A in 2009 as a drummer and percussionist. He resides in the Atlanta area yet works both in town and on the road performing with national and international acts. He can be heard on numerous independent and major label album releases and singles, including the Lions Gate film, ‘What To Expect When You’re Expecting’. He also provides music programming for producers, bands, schools, artists and corporate clients.
Wayne teaches part-time at George Walton Academy, a private school in Monroe, GA, and is an advocate for music education.
“My goal as an educator is to mix a fundamental curriculum with real-world experience. I want to provide students with the necessary skills to be successful as players – adept musicians – and not just follow trending academic philosophies and practices. (How about that for a loaded statement?!)” – Wayne Viar
Find out more about Wayne at wayneviar.com.
Wayne teaches part-time at George Walton Academy, a private school in Monroe, GA, and is an advocate for music education.
“My goal as an educator is to mix a fundamental curriculum with real-world experience. I want to provide students with the necessary skills to be successful as players – adept musicians – and not just follow trending academic philosophies and practices. (How about that for a loaded statement?!)” – Wayne Viar
Find out more about Wayne at wayneviar.com.
Nico G. - Pan Steel Drums | Percussion
Nico Gutierrez is a long time member of A1A. He has been performing since the age of 10, dedicating his life to studying drums, percussion, and the steel drum. Nico’s passion for music started with him following his father’s lead, who performed as a working drummer in New York City.
Nico has shared the stage with Quino of Big Mountain, The Rhythm Jets, and Caribbean Steel. He is performing full-time with A1A. When Nico isn’t on stage with A1A, since 1996 he has brought the magical tropical sounds of the steel drum to audiences across the country in his band, Caribbean Steel. Nico’s high energy performances continue through the last note of each show!
Nico has shared the stage with Quino of Big Mountain, The Rhythm Jets, and Caribbean Steel. He is performing full-time with A1A. When Nico isn’t on stage with A1A, since 1996 he has brought the magical tropical sounds of the steel drum to audiences across the country in his band, Caribbean Steel. Nico’s high energy performances continue through the last note of each show!
Aretta Baumgartner - Background Vocals
Aretta joined the A1A family in 2017, and is proud and delighted to provide backing vocals for this awesome group of music-makers! When not onstage with A1A, Aretta’s works as a puppeteer, mask performer, movement artist, actress, and arts educator.
She holds a BA in Theatre from Ashland University and an MA in Communication Arts from the University of Cincinnati. Aretta is the Education Director at the Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta, GA (www.puppet.org) and also sings with AJA: A Tribute to the Music of Steely Dan (www.ajamusic.net).
"Try a little love and luck and you’ll get by!" - Aretta Baumgartner
She holds a BA in Theatre from Ashland University and an MA in Communication Arts from the University of Cincinnati. Aretta is the Education Director at the Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta, GA (www.puppet.org) and also sings with AJA: A Tribute to the Music of Steely Dan (www.ajamusic.net).
"Try a little love and luck and you’ll get by!" - Aretta Baumgartner
Adena Brumer - Background Vocals
Originally from Montreal, Adena lived in Albuquerque, St. Louis, and the Twin Cities before moving to Atlanta. She happily goes back to the Twin Cities every December to perform in “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Radio Play” with the same cast who has performed it for the past 15 years. In Atlanta, she has performed with Stage Door Players, ART Station, and Theatre Emory. She has been on tour with “Almost Elton John”, has opened for the Little River Band, and sings with Wild Iris Rose (wildirisrosemusic.com), Rockin’ Train (rockintrain.com) and Clapton Comes Alive (https://www.facebook.com/claptoncomesalive/). Adena’s film and TV credits include “Sweet Magnolias”, “Bigger”, “ChampaignILL”, and "Sleepy Hollow". You can hear her on the podcast, It Came From The Bottom, which reviews the worst 100 movies on IMDb - she doesn't recommend ANY of them. Adena is a proud member of Actors Equity Association and SAG-AFTRA.
Sam Skelton - Saxophone and Horn Section Leader
A native of Conyers, Georgia, Sam Skelton has been active on the Atlanta music scene for well over three decades. Mr. Skelton graduated summa cum laude from Georgia State University with a degree in Jazz Studies. During his course of study at GSU, Sam was a Montgomery Music Scholar and a two-time fellowship recipient to the Aspen Music Festival. He continued his saxophone studies with Kenneth Radnofsky at Boston University in 1991 focusing on classical saxophone and music education. Other teachers include David and James "Dub" Hudson and Jeff Benedict.
As a woodwind doubler, Skelton is well versed in any genre of music. His grasp of saxophone, clarinet and flute has enabled him to remain very busy in live performance as well as in the studio.
Sam has performed and/or soloed with The London Symphony Orchestra, The Atlanta Symphony, The Atlanta Pops, The Peachtree Pops, The Atlanta Ballet Orchestra and The Georgia Symphony Orchestra as well as numerous local high school and civic ensembles. He has had the privilege of performing with Quincy Jones, Tom Scott, Hugh Jackman, Shirley Jones, Col. Bruce Hampton, Michael Brecker, Randy Brecker, Hal Crook, Jim Pugh, Chris Vadala, Mel Torme, Joan Rivers, Bob Newhart, Kenny Rogers, Keiko Matsui, Brian Bromberg, Jeff Lorber, Francine Reed, David Pack, Buddy Greene, John Schneider, Michael Feinstein and Allen Vizzutti just to name a few. World Premiers include James Oliverio’s "Children of A Common Mother", Lee Johnson’s "Ora Pro Mi: Concerto for Winds Soloist" (clarinet, flute and soprano saxophone) and "Seaside Symphony" (clarinet and soprano saxophone soloist). Sam also played the premier recording of "Ora Pro Mi" and "Seaside Symphony" with the London Symphony Orchestra. New musical debuts include: The Prom, Harmony, Bull Durham, Tuck Everlasting, Becoming Nancy and Maybe Happy Ending
As a sideman on over 300 recordings, Sam remains very active in the studio and can be heard on recordings by such artists as: Elton John, December Radio, Jennifer Holliday, Babbie Mason, Howard Tate, Matchbox 20, Train, Edwin McCain, The Gap Band and The Ohio Players. Television and radio jingles include The Georgia Lottery, The Fox Theater Documentary, Glen Beck, The Weather Channel, The Travel Channel, Ford, The Cartoon Network, CNN, Nature’s Own, Popeye’s, Papa John’s and Turner South. Television appearances include In the Heat of the Night, Savannah and Sinbad’s Summer Jam II on HBO. GRAMMY nods include Howard Tate's "Rediscovered" for Best Contemporary Blues Album and Ted Howe's "Pinnacle" for Best Instrumental Solo (alto clarinet, yes, alto clarinet)
Sam is currently Director of Jazz Studies and Senior Lecturer in Saxophone at Kennesaw State University. He is also Artistic Director of GSO Jazz and GYSO Jazz. Sam served as Professor of Saxophone at Georgia State University from 1991 to 2004 and was Jazz Ensemble Director at Georgia Tech from 2002-2004 and Artist-in-Residence at The University of Georgia Jazz Department. He served as Visiting Professor of Saxophone at Furman University 2001-02. Professional associations include: The Jazz Educators Network, Georgia Music Educators Association, Georgia Association of Jazz Educators, National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences (voting member) and the American Federation of Musicians. For his contributions to the city’s cultural life, Atlanta Public Broadcasting named him a “Lexus Leader in the Arts” in 2003. Sam is proud to be a Conn-Selmer and D’Addario Artist.
As a woodwind doubler, Skelton is well versed in any genre of music. His grasp of saxophone, clarinet and flute has enabled him to remain very busy in live performance as well as in the studio.
Sam has performed and/or soloed with The London Symphony Orchestra, The Atlanta Symphony, The Atlanta Pops, The Peachtree Pops, The Atlanta Ballet Orchestra and The Georgia Symphony Orchestra as well as numerous local high school and civic ensembles. He has had the privilege of performing with Quincy Jones, Tom Scott, Hugh Jackman, Shirley Jones, Col. Bruce Hampton, Michael Brecker, Randy Brecker, Hal Crook, Jim Pugh, Chris Vadala, Mel Torme, Joan Rivers, Bob Newhart, Kenny Rogers, Keiko Matsui, Brian Bromberg, Jeff Lorber, Francine Reed, David Pack, Buddy Greene, John Schneider, Michael Feinstein and Allen Vizzutti just to name a few. World Premiers include James Oliverio’s "Children of A Common Mother", Lee Johnson’s "Ora Pro Mi: Concerto for Winds Soloist" (clarinet, flute and soprano saxophone) and "Seaside Symphony" (clarinet and soprano saxophone soloist). Sam also played the premier recording of "Ora Pro Mi" and "Seaside Symphony" with the London Symphony Orchestra. New musical debuts include: The Prom, Harmony, Bull Durham, Tuck Everlasting, Becoming Nancy and Maybe Happy Ending
As a sideman on over 300 recordings, Sam remains very active in the studio and can be heard on recordings by such artists as: Elton John, December Radio, Jennifer Holliday, Babbie Mason, Howard Tate, Matchbox 20, Train, Edwin McCain, The Gap Band and The Ohio Players. Television and radio jingles include The Georgia Lottery, The Fox Theater Documentary, Glen Beck, The Weather Channel, The Travel Channel, Ford, The Cartoon Network, CNN, Nature’s Own, Popeye’s, Papa John’s and Turner South. Television appearances include In the Heat of the Night, Savannah and Sinbad’s Summer Jam II on HBO. GRAMMY nods include Howard Tate's "Rediscovered" for Best Contemporary Blues Album and Ted Howe's "Pinnacle" for Best Instrumental Solo (alto clarinet, yes, alto clarinet)
Sam is currently Director of Jazz Studies and Senior Lecturer in Saxophone at Kennesaw State University. He is also Artistic Director of GSO Jazz and GYSO Jazz. Sam served as Professor of Saxophone at Georgia State University from 1991 to 2004 and was Jazz Ensemble Director at Georgia Tech from 2002-2004 and Artist-in-Residence at The University of Georgia Jazz Department. He served as Visiting Professor of Saxophone at Furman University 2001-02. Professional associations include: The Jazz Educators Network, Georgia Music Educators Association, Georgia Association of Jazz Educators, National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences (voting member) and the American Federation of Musicians. For his contributions to the city’s cultural life, Atlanta Public Broadcasting named him a “Lexus Leader in the Arts” in 2003. Sam is proud to be a Conn-Selmer and D’Addario Artist.
Erin Cundiff - Trombone
Erin Cundiff, who has always had a passion for music and performing, joined the A1A horn section in 2018. Erin began her musical life by studying piano as a child and then the violin at age 11. Through her musical search, Erin ended up on the trombone and has been playing for 15 years.
Erin studied music at the University of Georgia and was the trombone section leader of the Redcoat Marching Band. While at UGA, Erin also participated in various ensembles, including the wind ensemble, jazz band, and trombone choir. Erin was a middle school band director for two years at Loganville Middle School.
For the past 6 years she has been playing trombone professionally and teaching private lessons full time in the metro Atlanta area. Erin also plays regularly with several other bands, including the wedding/party band US Beat, Atlanta Beat, The 293 Band, local theaters, and church orchestras.
Erin studied music at the University of Georgia and was the trombone section leader of the Redcoat Marching Band. While at UGA, Erin also participated in various ensembles, including the wind ensemble, jazz band, and trombone choir. Erin was a middle school band director for two years at Loganville Middle School.
For the past 6 years she has been playing trombone professionally and teaching private lessons full time in the metro Atlanta area. Erin also plays regularly with several other bands, including the wedding/party band US Beat, Atlanta Beat, The 293 Band, local theaters, and church orchestras.
Rob Opitz - Trumpet
Rob Opitz is an artist-in-residence in jazz trumpet at Kennesaw State University in Kennesaw, GA. In addition to his duties at Kennesaw, he is a busy performer, clinician, and educator. Rob is the founder and director of the Atlanta Latin Jazz Orchestra.
Rob performs regularly throughout the Southeast and Midwest. He is sought after as a trumpet artist, educator, clinician, and adjudicator. Rob has appeared as a sideman with the following musicians: Tito Puente, Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds, Dennis Edwards and the Temptations Review, Under the Streetlamp, Claudio Roditi, Diane Schuur, Yacht Rock Revue, and many more.
Rob is thrilled to be a member of A1A and looks forward to appearing in person at a venue near you! Locally, he appears regularly with artists such as Orquesta MaCuba, the Joe Gransden Big Band, the Georgia Symphony Orchestra Jazz Ensemble, Gwen Hughes, Kingsized, US Beat, Atlanta Beat, Rupert's Orchestra, and many more. Rob can be heard playing trumpet on recordings of Scooter Lee, The Rhythm Jets, Michael J. Thomas, Yacht Rock Revue, Chris Blackwell, and many more.
Vance Kelly - Saxophone | Production
Longtime A1A member Vance Kelly found his passion for music, sound, and saxophone at a young age in his native Atlanta GA. and never let go of the desire to share his love for music. Having honed his craft through years of live and studio performances, his audiences are the beneficiaries of his constant push to take his skills as a player, engineer, and producer to the highest level. He has broad experience in Pop, Rock, Blues, Big Band Jazz, Island and Christian genres that blend into what you hear from him today.
Along with his study of Music at Kennesaw State University, Vance earned a degree in Electrical Engineering which furthers his capabilities as a musician, engineer, and producer. Vance started his music career playing in college bands and sitting in for studio sessions. The first 7 years on the road were spent playing keyboards and sax with the now famous Jesse James Dupree. In the following years, Vance recorded and played with blues bands and a Contemporary Christian band. Vance was also fortunate enough to be a charter member and have a key role in The Christian Music Connection that provided a path for unsigned artists to grow while promoting shows for many named acts. To round out his career in the business, Vance worked as a talent agent for Rising Star Productions and has spent years as a FOH sound engineer, most recently for North Point Ministries. The variety of artists and music professionals that Vance has had the pleasure of working with has had an amazing influence on his music today. Vance’ s performances are enhanced by the insight he has gained in his role as engineer and producer at Palms Up Studios. He produced a track for Capital Records which appeared in the movie “What to Expect When You’re Expecting”. Vance’ s proficiency in producing the highest quality sound cultivates amazing live and recorded musical experiences. Vance understands music, the technology that drives it and business that surrounds it. Vance is also the visionary and the front man for The Rhythm Jets.
For more information on Vance visit rhythmjets.com.
Along with his study of Music at Kennesaw State University, Vance earned a degree in Electrical Engineering which furthers his capabilities as a musician, engineer, and producer. Vance started his music career playing in college bands and sitting in for studio sessions. The first 7 years on the road were spent playing keyboards and sax with the now famous Jesse James Dupree. In the following years, Vance recorded and played with blues bands and a Contemporary Christian band. Vance was also fortunate enough to be a charter member and have a key role in The Christian Music Connection that provided a path for unsigned artists to grow while promoting shows for many named acts. To round out his career in the business, Vance worked as a talent agent for Rising Star Productions and has spent years as a FOH sound engineer, most recently for North Point Ministries. The variety of artists and music professionals that Vance has had the pleasure of working with has had an amazing influence on his music today. Vance’ s performances are enhanced by the insight he has gained in his role as engineer and producer at Palms Up Studios. He produced a track for Capital Records which appeared in the movie “What to Expect When You’re Expecting”. Vance’ s proficiency in producing the highest quality sound cultivates amazing live and recorded musical experiences. Vance understands music, the technology that drives it and business that surrounds it. Vance is also the visionary and the front man for The Rhythm Jets.
For more information on Vance visit rhythmjets.com.
